We have already packed this one problem away....if we are to be challenged in the future as to worshiping God or obeying orders by a world government not to worship God....it will be a clear 'black and white' decision that will be put before us....so we are not really worried about discernment on this. That 'black and white' scenario will definitely happen some day but it's already happening today to a lesser degree....and the choices are not black and white. Our employer may be telling us to be quiet on our belief in Jesus Christ or face unemployment. Teachers in many schools in America are facing this right now. Pastors are even told to...."lighten up or we will have to ask you to move on." One's spouse may in effect tell them that they will limit their Christian belief.... and testimony....(fanaticism is what they will call it).....or face divorce....and maybe even loss of the children. Friends....family.....neighbors....all may require of us that we leave Jesus Christ out of the conversation....or there will be no conversation.
The phenomenon of Donald Trump has persuaded us.....not ordered us but persuaded us....allured us into....downplaying the gospel and our Christian zeal. We are convinced that he is either Cyrus or Jehu.....(most evangelicals know what I'm referencing here)....but of course not Nebuchadnezzar....so take your pick....if he is Cyrus or Jehu then that's his 'get out of jail free' card....he can lie all he wants....deceive us all he wants!" Since he's Cyrus or Jehu....everything must be OK. My point in this is that this 'black and white' temptation may only come at the very end. Before that it may be many shades of gray....and we will thus have to have great discernment....which would require fewer distractions....distractions of which we are drowning in right now....and the cross of Jesus Christ would need to be preached from our pulpits every week....but we are as of today malnourished....as was Oliver Twist....fed with "thin gruel"....and even in many evangelical churches....starving.
The phenomenon of Donald Trump has persuaded us.....not ordered us but persuaded us....allured us into....downplaying the gospel and our Christian zeal. We are convinced that he is either Cyrus or Jehu.....(most evangelicals know what I'm referencing here)....but of course not Nebuchadnezzar....so take your pick....if he is Cyrus or Jehu then that's his 'get out of jail free' card....he can lie all he wants....deceive us all he wants!" Since he's Cyrus or Jehu....everything must be OK. My point in this is that this 'black and white' temptation may only come at the very end. Before that it may be many shades of gray....and we will thus have to have great discernment....which would require fewer distractions....distractions of which we are drowning in right now....and the cross of Jesus Christ would need to be preached from our pulpits every week....but we are as of today malnourished....as was Oliver Twist....fed with "thin gruel"....and even in many evangelical churches....starving.
